In the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape, understanding the difference between an ad network for affiliate programs and an affiliate network can help businesses and marketers maximize their ROI. These two concepts, though related, serve distinct purposes in the online advertising ecosystem. This blog will explore the nuances of ad networks and affiliate networks, guide you on how to utilize them effectively, and shed light on some of the best affiliate ad networks available today.
What is an Ad Network?
Definition of Ad Network
An ad network is a platform that connects advertisers with publishers. Advertisers use these networks to display their ads on various websites, apps, or digital platforms. The primary goal of an ad network is to facilitate ad placements, ensuring that the right audience sees the advertisements.
How Ad Networks Work
Ad networks aggregate unsold ad inventory from publishers and sell it to advertisers. They use various pricing models such as:
Cost-Per-Click (CPC): Advertisers pay when a user clicks on an ad.
Cost-Per-Thousand Impressions (CPM): Advertisers pay for every 1,000 views of their ad.
Cost-Per-Action (CPA): Advertisers pay when a specific action, like a purchase, is completed.
Examples of Ad Networks
Some top-performing ad networks include:
Google AdSense
AdRoll